“In less than one week here in Madagascar, I went from crowded city
slums to the most remote villages and my eyes were widely opened by the
incredible need for a healthy life -- nutrition, sanitation, and
protection against rape and abuse -- which UNICEF are stepping in to help provide,” Perry said.

Ms. Perry spent hours at the UNICEF-supported Ilaiko Child Protection
centre speaking with a group of women and their children, most of whom
had experienced abuse, abandonment or neglect, and were struggling to
make ends meet.

The centre provides legal and social support, as well as
training in basic skills, so that a young woman like Mariana can find
work to support herself and her baby.

“What strikes me is how
universal so many of these core problems are,” said Ms. Perry.

“Whether
in Madagascar or in the USA, so many women experience the same thing.
But here, clearly support can be hard to come by – that’s why it is
amazing that centres like this one are here to help.”

UNICEF
supports child protection interventions throughout the country, working
with national authorities, medical, legal and psychological services. Right now, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, with
most families unable to afford basic food and healthcare.